Primary Sources

"More Indian Outrage—forty-five head of cattle lost by a party of
Oregon
Emigrants—The Pawnees considered accessory to the stampede
(1851)"

[p.2]

More Indian Outrage—Forty-five Head of Cattle Lost by a Party of
Oregon Emigrants —
The Pawnee Considered Accessory to the Stampede.

Since our last issue, a company of Oregon
Emigrants from Peoria County, Illinois, and some from Wisconsin; returned
to this place. They crossed the Missouri River at Ferryville, on the
10th of June, numbering seventeen wagons.
This company proceeded on their journey
prosperously, until they crossed the Horne; at which place, they were
surrounded by a large body of Pawnees, some of whom were on horseback, the
others on mules, and on foot. Before the Indians reached the camp, they
raised their Yell, or War-hoop, showing their hostile feelings; and their
determination to molest the pacific travelers.
Upon coming up to the camp, they demanded two
cows from the company; but by parleying with them, the concluded to take
one cow, and one sack of flour; and abandon their hostile intentions. The
company complied with their request, and gave them the choice of the
selection; which the Indians insisted on having. The company then took up
their line of march, and got along well as far as Big Beaver Creek, one
hundred and four miles from Winter Quarters, at which place they arrived
about noon; (the date we have been unable to learn) this stream not being
fordable they commenced operations for bridging it, and had to remain
there all night. About ten 0'clock that night the cattle took stampede;
several of the company whom we have seen, say; that they are satisfied the
Indians were the cause of it, as they had seen them several times on the
way, prowling round among the brush, and following them up. Next day, the
Red skins made their appearance at the camp, and proferred [sic]
their services to recover the cattle, on the condition that the company
would pay them handsomely for it; the latter agreed to these conditions,
and three days after, the Indians brought back ten head, for which the
emigrants paid them fifteen dollars worth in provisions, and five in
money.
The total number of cattle lost, were one
hundred and twenty, out of which sixty-four were recovered; part by the
Indians and the remainder by persons belonging to the company.
One of the emigrants is now in our Office, as we
are writing this article, who says; that out of the remaining fifty-six
head, they have been able to recover eleven more, making in all forty-five
head that they cannot find, Ten wagons of company, came to this county;
being unable to proceed any further this season on account of their loss;
the other seven joined our last company from this place for Salt Lake.
The repeated aggressions, of the Omaha, Ottoe,
and Pawnee Indians, on this Frontier, and on the plains, should enlist the
special attention of the General Government, in Washington City; and we
think, prompt, and energetic measures ought to be entered into by the
Legislative Department there, to suppress these high-handed acts of the
sons of the forest, on the property of American citizens; so that the
honest, upright, and persevering Emigrant, may not have his enterprizing
[sic] spirit broken, and his hard earned effects destroyed by these
desperadoes, without the least shadow of reclamation, or remuneration
whatever for his loss.
[one line unreadable due to crease]
beyond his control to govern or bring these Indians to anything like
conciliatory measures without the aid of an armed force. Here they are, at
loose ends, ready to assail every company that may happen to come under
their observation; and furthermore, the Major states, though he has
repeatedly, made application to several of the Forts for assistance; his
efforts have failed to secure any.
We sincerely hope, that something will be done
soon, and that effectually too; so us to insure the safety, and success of
the Westward-bound Emigrant.